Yes, this is a precious exhortation that we ought to take to heart. If we have received some of the heavenly goodness implanted in us, then we have received some of God’s glory. This glory is united with God’s wisdom that will follow us into the heavenly mansions. The five wise virgins clung to goodness as the greatest treasure they possessed to spread blessings around them and be able to drive away the darkness of night. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” Rom. 12:17. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” V. 21. “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Rom. 2:4. “Tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Vs. 9-10. When Moses wanted to see God’s glory, he saw God’s goodness pass by him. There is much that is hard in our human nature, and if it is allowed to reign, we will heap up God’s wrath on that day when everything will be brought to the light. Jesus wants to teach us to be humble and meek of heart. Then we will learn to endure in all good works so we can partake of glory, honor, and incorruption in peace and eternal life. If we let go of goodness, we will soon drift into the evil where wicked spirit powers are the driving force. Then we will lose our joy and peace, and the host of evil spirit powers in heavenly places will start to lead in everything that is evil. James exhorts the church to lay aside all overflow of wickedness. Peter exhorts us to put off all evil and all guile. The church cannot be built up in blessing and grow as long as there is this overflow of wickedness, guile, and hypocrisy. All evil, whether it is great or small, is pride and striving against God. None of this has a place in fellowship with Christ and the saints. Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” If we always cling to the good in our thought life, God Himself will see to it that we will always gain the victory in His good power.Aksel J. Smith